After that night, Adam and I started to hang out more frequently than usual. We were practically glued to each other. We went out, he came over to my place, I went over to his—it was like we couldn't get enough of each other. Right now, we're just seeing each other, so it's not official yet, but I can tell it will be soon.

By the way, I'm on a holiday break, which is good, but ever since Adam and I started hanging out, I've been kinda distant from my friends, and they seem to be doing the same to me. God, I don't know what to do, but I seriously hope our friendships don't fall apart just because I'm seeing someone.

Anyway, I'm in my room, writing down every single memory of Adam and me because we've been having a blast nonstop, and he's my most favorite person now. So why not document it all? But while I'm busy writing in my journal, I hear a knock on the door. Guess who it is? Yeah, it's Anthony. I reluctantly go to the window to hear what he has to say, bracing myself for whatever drama is about to unfold.

I folded my arms and gave Anthony a stern look. "Anthony, why are you here?"

"Dena, I miss you and I want you back," he said, his voice dripping with desperation.

"Well, it's too late, and you know that," I shot back, refusing to let my resolve waver.

"Don't say that," he pleaded.

"It's true, Anthony. Plus, you've moved on with other girls, so why are you even here?"

"I haven't moved on. What are you talking about?" he protested, looking genuinely confused.

"Anthony, don't play with me right now. Weren't you with Carmen and some other girl at the party the last time I saw you?"

"No, I was never with any of them. Dena, I don't even know why we broke up over some stupid picture that I forgot about."

"Please, let's not start there. It's too late, Anthony. I won't lie, we had fun, but I'm seeing someone else now, and you have to accept that."

"I'll never accept it. Never," he said, his eyes blazing with determination.

"Anthony..."

"No, I'll get you back, and that's a promise. He doesn't deserve you. I do," he declared before storming out of my room, leaving a whirlwind of emotions in his wake.

I closed the window, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. What if he tries to start a fight with Adam? A lot of things were running through my mind, making me feel like I was living in a nightmare, just like that dream I had about Deanesh being a demon. Ugh, this is too much. Anthony needs to accept that I've moved on, and there is nothing he can do to stop it. We had a good time when we were together, but being with Adam is my future, and Anthony can't keep dwelling on the past.

After all that drama, I decided to take a much-needed nap. When I woke up, I felt really good, refreshed even. I went downstairs to get a cold glass of water and some fruit to munch on since I was feeling a bit peckish. Then, I went back to my room with my refreshments. While eating, I started to think about the girls. I really missed them, so I took out my phone to call them and see what they were up to. Maybe we could hang out and catch up.

While I was dialing each of their numbers, all I got were voicemails. That was unusual and suspicious. Something was definitely up, and I needed to find out what. I quickly put on some decent clothes, did my hair, and didn't even bother with makeup because I had to see if my girls were okay. First stop: Karissa's house, then I'd check on the others.

I hopped in my car and drove to Karissa's place. After a while, I finally arrived. As I pulled up, I noticed Jaelee and Xalia's cars parked outside. That made me even more suspicious. I got out of my car and rang the doorbell. Karissa answered, and her expression was anything but friendly.

"What do you want?" she asked coldly.

"Hey, and why that question? What happened?" I responded, taken aback.

"You and Adam happened," she snapped.

"Huh?"

"Ever since you got with him, you don't even remember your friends anymore. It's like we're ghosts to you," she accused.

"That's not true. I've been distant, sure, but I do call sometimes to check up on all of you," I defended myself.

"Well, that's not enough. Xalia and Jaelee don't want to talk to you either," she said, her tone final.

"Wow, so that's it then?" I asked, feeling the sting of betrayal.

"Yup, that's it. Bye, and have a good life with Adam," she said before slamming the door in my face.

She slammed the door in my face, and not gonna lie, it hurt like hell. I went back to my car, the urge to cry overwhelming me. What the hell just happened? Sure, I hadn't spent much time with them lately, but I always made sure to call and check in. I guess they're my past now, just like Deanesh. Isn't that just perfect? I drove back home, feeling defeated because what else could I do?

As soon as I got home, a wave of sadness drowned me. I had to let out a loud scream because I was done crying. I had been crying for the longest time, ever since I had been wronged, and I wouldn't let any more past friendships bring me down. I decided to take another nap because the day had already been too much. Before I could fall asleep, Adam called, but I didn't bother to answer. The drama with Karissa had drained me, and I needed some peace.

I woke up, my eyes watery for no reason. As I started to rub them, I saw Adam sitting on my bed next to me. I was shocked and frightened.

"Oh my God, Adam, what the hell?" I exclaimed, my heart racing.

"Hey, babe," he said, his voice calm.

"Why didn't you just call me and tell me you were coming over?" I asked, still trying to process his sudden appearance.

"I did call, but you didn't answer," he replied, looking concerned.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I said, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Did I do something wrong? Are you okay?" Adam asked, his worry evident.

My eyes started watering again, and I knew I had to let him know everything. "No, you didn't do anything wrong, and no, I'm not okay."

"Dena, what happened? Talk to me, please," he urged, his eyes searching mine for answers.

"I lost my friends," I said, my voice breaking.

"Is it because of me?" Adam asked, a hint of guilt creeping into his voice.

"No, it's not because of you. It's because of me. I was too distant from them. It's my fault," I admitted, feeling the weight of my actions.

"It's definitely not your fault. I know you guys hung out a lot before I came into the picture. I'm really sorry for ruining your friendship like that," Adam said, his voice filled with regret.

"No, don't blame yourself," I said, shaking my head. "I should've managed things better."

Adam pulled me into a hug, his warmth offering a small comfort. "We'll figure this out together," he whispered. "You're not alone in this."

I started to cry and confessed to Adam that he had done nothing wrong, though I blamed myself despite his comforting words. His embrace only intensified my tears. Suddenly, my mom burst into the room, her face contorted with grief—a sight that chilled me.

"Dena," she sobbed, "your grandma just suffered a heart attack. She's in critical condition at the hospital."

"What? No," I gasped, rushing to embrace her. Together, we wept, our hearts heavy with worry. Without hesitation, we raced to the hospital. As we arrived, I spotted my grandpa seated outside, tears streaming down his face. Adam, Mom, and I hurried to his side, joining him in his grief-stricken vigil.

Inside, a team of doctors fought desperately to save Grandma's life. I hugged Grandpa tightly, whispering assurances that everything would be alright. But then, a doctor emerged from the room, his expression grim.

"I'm sorry," he said softly, "she didn't make it."

The impact of those words was staggering. Shock and disbelief surged through me like a tidal wave. Losing my friends, and now Grandma on the same day—it felt like an unbearable weight crushing my chest. I struggled to fathom why life had delivered such overwhelming pain. What had I possibly done to deserve this relentless sorrow?